Informational Blog about Sound, Staging and Lighting

Ashly's Chinese Made EQs

Posted: Monday, January 7, 2013 11:48 PST | 1 Comment (see below)

We have found that the Ashly EQs we so loved, for so many years, the GQX-3102, has somehow CHANGED the way it SOUNDS after Ashly started making it in China. We did notice several differences right out of the box, such as the detachable power cord (a PLUS actually), and that the power switch has been located to the rear (a MAJOR NEGATIVE). The sliders and knobs feel sluggish (as in CHEAP), and even the color and silkscreen are not the same.

However, cosmetics and power switch/cord issues aside, the damn things just does NOT SOUND RIGHT. We own about 12 of the USA made variety, and each and every one of them sound EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE NEXT. However, this one made in China has a dramatic DROP in output, as compared to any of our made in USA units.

Thinking we had a defective unit, we sent it back to Ashly. First time around, they replaced all the sliders, stating on the paperwork that they "did not like the feel of them." You think?